Katalin (Catherine of Brandenburg) Bethlen (1629-1630). Gold Ducat/Aranyforint, 1630. Kolozsvár/Klausenberg. (fleur outline) CATH.D:G.N.M.B.S.R.I. ET.TRAN.PRINC; Her bust facing 3/4 left, wearing ornate stellate collar. Rev. PAR.R.H.D.SIC.CO.I.B.I.C.M.B.1630, Radiant Madonna and Child, small Arms below (Fr 371, Resch 1, KM 221). In PCGS holder graded AU58. Very rare. Value $20,000 - UP
Upon Gábor Bethlen's death on the 25th of November 1629, his wife Katharina (daughter of Johann Sigismund Elector of Brandenburg and Anne of Prussia) became Princess-Regnant. Katharina attempted to bring Transylvania back under the sway of the Holy Roman Empire, but she was forced to abandon power on the 21st of September 1630. The Sublime Porte at first chose her brother-in-law Stephen Bethlen as successor, but she was finally succeeded by George Rákóczi.